Each of the most recent SAP ERP options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. But first, you must comprehend the distinctions and what each delivers.
Here's a rundown of the many varieties of S/4HANA software and the most critical details about each.
It is what it is. SAP's multi-tenant SaaS ERP software, S/4HANA Cloud, is the company's entry-level solution. S/4HANA Cloud Essentials Edition and Multi-Tenant Edition were the former names for it.
For whom is it a great fit? Companies who only want essential financial components or are seeking for a basic cloud ERP software may benefit.
Benefits. Outsourced infrastructure management, the ability to swiftly add computing power, and a simplified user and functionality provisioning process are all features of S/4HANA Cloud, which are similar to those of other cloud offerings. S/4HANA Cloud SaaS ERP is significantly less expensive than other SAP software, and the product's automatic upgrades mean you can get new features faster.
Downsides. S/4HANA Cloud offers less customisation than other S/4HANA versions and misses certain of the capabilities offered in other S/4HANA products. The software can only be used for greenfield -- or new -- implementations. In addition, upgrade timing is non-negotiable.
2) S/4HANA Cloud Extended Edition is the second edition of S/4HANA (EX).
It is what it is. S/4HANA Cloud EX, formerly known as the S/4HANA single-tenant edition, is a more advanced version of S/4HANA Cloud, as the name implies. It's in a specific cloud environment.
It's intended for those it's intended for. It's for businesses that don't want to — or can't — manage their own IT infrastructure yet require more than S/4HANA Cloud can provide.
Benefits. More customisation and third-party integrations are possible than with S/4HANA Cloud. More user interface options and capabilities are also included in the software. You may control the schedule of EX upgrades to a degree, unlike S/4HANA Cloud users.
Downsides. To get EX, you'll need a particular number of employees, as SAP requires a higher user count for EX than S/4HANA Cloud. In addition, EX is more expensive than S/4HANA Cloud and offers less customization and enhancement options than S/4HANA Any Premise software. It can only be utilized for greenfield implementations, just like S/4HANA Cloud.
3) S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition is the third edition of SAP S/4HANA.
It is what it is. S/4HANA Private Edition is identical to S/4HANA Cloud and EX, but it has greater customisation capabilities.
It's intended for those it's intended for. It's ideal for businesses who need a broader range of features and greater flexibility and can afford the Private Edition's higher price.
Benefits. Unlike S/4HANA Cloud and EX users, Private Edition users can use partner templates, which speeds system implementation. You can also transfer data from an existing SAP setup.
Downsides. While the Private Edition is more extensible than S/4HANA Cloud and EX, it still falls short when compared to the Any Premise software in this regard.
4) S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition is the third edition of SAP S/4HANA.
It is what it is. S/4HANA Private Edition is identical to S/4HANA Cloud and EX, but it has greater customisation capabilities.
It's intended for those it's intended for. It's ideal for businesses who need a broader range of features and greater flexibility and can afford the Private Edition's higher price.
Benefits. Unlike S/4HANA Cloud and EX users, Private Edition users can use partner templates, which speeds system implementation. You can also transfer data from an existing SAP setup.
Downsides. While the Private Edition is more extensible than S/4HANA Cloud and EX, it still falls short when compared to the Any Premise software in this regard.
5) HANA Enterprise Cloud S/4HANA Any Premise (HEC)
It is what it is. HEC is used as a framework by any Premise on HEC user. HEC is a set of tools that delivers infrastructure as a service, as well as services like new user provisioning and catastrophe recovery.
It's intended for those it's intended for. It's designed for larger enterprises with complex ERP requirements who prefer SAP to control the majority of their environment.
Benefits. You can customize and integrate any HEC premise, and you can choose from a variety of product deployment sites. You can upgrade from a previous SAP ERP system, much like with customer-managed Any Premise, and the software supports partner content.
Downsides. SAP must approve all HEC applications, which could cause issues if a critical application isn't accepted. Despite the fact that SAP handles the majority of Any Premise on HEC software requirements, you are responsible for upgrades.
